*World Parliamentarianism Day: Takoradi MP Calls for Stronger Parliament, Revenue Focus, and Protection of MPs’ Welfare *

Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Member of Parliament for Takoradi and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, has called for a stronger Legislature, a shift toward revenue generation, and better protection of the welfare of Parliamentarians as Ghana marks World Parliamentarianism Day. 

Contributing to a statement on the floor of the House, Hon. Darko-Mensah said democracy cannot thrive without robust Parliaments and urged MPs to deliver tangible “democratic dividends” to their constituents. 

He said Parliaments democracies don’t exist,” he stated. He traced Ghana’s democratic roots to traditional governance, noting that in chiefs’ palaces “virtually every member of the institution is given the opportunity to speak before the decision... are taken.” 

He likened it to Parliament’s practice: “Mr. Speaker in our house here before you give direction... you virtually listen to all of us. And when you believe that there’s been consensus you ask that we put it to a vote.” 

Referring to Chapter Five of the 1992 Constitution, he said human rights provisions were included “to make sure that our democracy can survive because without human rights dignity... our people cannot look to some future that is brighter.”

Report by PKB